February 2nd 2009

I had stayed up to watch the Super Bowl last night so despite this morning’s -2 with laying snow, a cold easterly wind and occasional snow showers did not bother with sleep and in the Grandborough valley by first light. Cycling wasn’t too difficult on treated roads; you had to be a little more cautious on the back lanes especially carrying 10 kilos of bird seed on top of all the gear I normally have.
Two Barn Owls near Sawbridge and yesterdays Tawny Owl was calling and located to nearly the same tree. Went back to the set a side fields near Grandborough and put loads of seed out in a few sheltered areas so while waiting for the birds to arrive I searched the area north around the fishing pools and found 2 Jack Snipe in the area between the pools and the river, Willow Tit, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Kingfisher, 6 Yellowhammer and Sparrowhawk, 4 Reed Bunting. Returning to the set a side a Barn Owl flew close by and the finch flock had arrived and was just as impressive as yesterday with 3 Brambling found and all were wary of the local Sparrowhawk. Also in area were 22 Yellowhammer, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 45 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing, Grey Partridge, 2 Buzzard and Raven. Returned home via Woolscott, Little Owl was on top of a telegraph pole and a flock of 12 Tree Sparrows near by.
No rest for the wicked and despite more snow showers it was back out mid afternoon to Draycote Water for the roost and failed to find the 2nd winter Iceland Gull Richard Harbird had in yesterday’s roost. Did have Rock Pipit and Grey Wagtail on draycote bank, 2 Great-northern Divers out in centre, 12 Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Green Woodpecker, Shag and 26 Golden Plover over. Unfortunately the snow which had been falling since early afternoon started getting deeper and deeper so it made coming home a struggle. Bless

Richard